Tiger Women's Lacrosse Gets Fresh Start in 2026
After spending seven years as Wittenberg’s assistant coach with the men's lacrosse program, Daniel Shields is excited to see where he can take the women’s lacrosse team as a first-year head coach in the 2026 season.
Shields is a native of Perth, Australia, who moved to the United States prior to his junior year of high school. He took the reins of the Tiger women’s lacrosse program in June 2025 after Becca Joseph resigned after four seasons. He takes over a team that finished 4-11 overall and 0-6 in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) a year ago, but he is optimistic that the program has a solid foundation for success with several outstanding returning players on the roster in 2026.
Leading the way for the Tigers are sophomore attacker Hannah Peterson (Cedarville, OH / Cedarville) and junior midfielder Aubrey Stager (Saline, MI / Saline), who were the team's top scorers last season. Peterson played in 14 games, starting in 13, and she was the Tigers’ leading scorer as a freshman with 41 goals and eight assists for 49 points, in addition to ranking second in draw controls with 42 and ground balls with 53. For the 2025 season, Peterson led the Tigers and ranked among the best in the NCAC in all offensive categories. Stager played in 15 games and started in 14, and ranked second on the team in scoring, compiling 25 goals and 25 points. Stager also tallied 62 draw controls and led the squad in ground balls with 78 total.
Shields has plenty of veteran players to rely on in his first season at the helm. Other key returnees include seniors Alyssa Burnside (Hilliard, OH / Bradley), Sophia Meek (Lewis Center, OH / Olentangy Orange), VJ Shaw (St. Louis, MO / Crossroads College Prep School), Jarya Hassell (Bellbrook, OH / Bellbrook), Maren Raymond (Louisville, KY / Ballard), and Haley Pitman (Liberty Township, OH / Ursuline Academy), in addition to junior sisters Ebony Wyse (Lewis Center, OH / Olentangy) and Essence Wyse (Lewis Center, OH / Olentangy).
The Tigers graduated four seniors last season, including goalkeeper Sidney Sheridan (Columbus, OH / Bishop Hartley), who finished her career ranked third in program history for career saves after registering 138 saves on a 45.7 save percentage for the 2025 campaign. Junior Makenna Ricketts (Chardon, OH / Chardon), who played in three games last year, and freshman Victoria Wilson (Indianapolis, IN / Warren Central) are competing for time in the goalie spot in 2026.
Wittenberg will open the 2026 season on the road at Ohio Northern on Feb. 21 for a 1 p.m. match, then start North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) play on April 4 at Oberlin at 1 p.m. The Tigers have 17 total games slated, with seven conference matches and non-conference contests against Ohio Northern, Marietta, Transylvania, Otterbein, Lake Forest, Sewanee, Muskingum, Trine, Elmhurst, and Spalding.
Before starting the season, the Tiger coaching staff and players will host a high-energy, college-level lacrosse experience on Sunday, Feb. 15. This prospect day is designed for motivated high school athletes looking to elevate their game, learn advanced skills, and explore what it’s like to compete in a top-tier Division III program. Participants will take part in skill sessions, small-sided play, and full-field competition, followed by an opportunity to meet the coaching staff and tour the campus. It’s a great chance for players to showcase their talent and discover if Wittenberg is the right fit for their academic and athletic future.
Written By: Cindy Holbrook
Graphic By: Olivia Witman